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Although Johny Hendricks promptly knocked out Martin Kampmann at UFC 154 to supposedly lock up the number one contender spot in the welterweight division, the renowned trainer of champion Georges St. Pierre, Firas Zahabi, reportedly believes Nick Diaz should be next for a title shot.

The Tristar coach has relayed to MMA Junkie that although Hendricks has done his part to earn a crack at the belt, Zahabi thinks Diaz should be next, on account of his close fight with Condit and his tenure as Strikeforce champion.

Of course, heading into and after UFC 154, the promotion—and fans alike–have been pushing for a super fight between St. Pierre and middleweight champion Anderson Silva next. St. Pierre, however, has stated that the catch-weight bout would require him to leave the welterweight division and that there are fights for him in the meantime at 170 pounds.

While Zahabi wasn’t speaking for St. Pierre, one can’t help but wonder if the champion and his camp continue to be interested in fighting Diaz next. The two were scheduled to compete, at the request of the champion, before St. Pierre was injured, and there’s no question that a fight between the two would be a PPV success.

posted by FCF Staff @ 1:44 pm

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